A very special sighting at The Lodge!

We don't make it to The Lodge very often - it's a bit of a drive from our home on the Suffolk coast.  However the repeated sighting of one particular bird - which neither of us had ever seen - made a visit a seriously good idea.  Especially when there is always a chance of seeing a magnificent raven as well!

After getting tea and snacks from the shop we joined the group of birders who were paying a nearby yew tree a considerable amount of attention.  Nothing exciting was yet in view, but I thought I'd snap this female blackbird:

This obliging robin was demanding to be admired as well:

Just then the bird we'd travelled to see made an appearance:

OUR VERY FIRST HAWFINCH!!!!!!!!!!

It stayed for a bit and then disappeared from my sight.  Happily, though, another gorgeous bird appeared:

I'm always happy to see a lovely Nutty.

I was a bit worried by the red goo on the side of this great tit's face.

I managed to pick the hawfinch up as it was stuffing its face!

Wow.  I've wanted to see a hawfinch for years and this absolutely made my day.

I couldn't resist snapping these riders.

A dear little coal tit.

The Nutties were spoiling me.  I probably won't see another one for years!

Er........ the Twelve Days are next week.

I didn't realise The Lodge gets so many bramblings in winter.

What a beauty.

Another brambling, with a greenfinch for company.

Finishing with this expressive blackbird.

Limpy's snaps to follow!